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Day Skipper Theory Course

A comprehensive introduction to chartwork navigation meteorology and the basics of seamanship. Invaluable for learning how to start making decisions on board and if you are considering taking the Day Skipper practical course.

Course type:	THEORY
Suggested minimum pre-course experience:	Some practical experience desirable
Assumed knowledge:	None
Course content:	Basic seamanship and introduction to navigation and meteorology
Ability after course:	The syllabus arms would-be skippers with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day. A basic knowledge of lights, weather and IRPCS is also included.
Minimum duration:	40 hours and 2 assessment papers

DAY SKIPPER SHOREBASED COURSE SYLLABUS (reproduced from the RYA Cruising Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G15/03) with the kind permission of the RYA) The Course A comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship for Competent Crew and Helmsmen.  You will find this course invaluable if you want to learn how to start making decisions on board.   Pre-course Knowledge A Full Knowledge; B Working Knowledge; C Outline Knowledge
	Minimum time (hours)	Depth of knowledge
1.  Nautical terms ·  Parts of a boat and hull ·    ·  General nautical terminology ·	2	B B
2.  Ropework ·  Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use ·	1	B
3.  Anchorwork ·  Characteristics of different types of anchor ·    ·  Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring ·	1	B B
4.  Safety ·  Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use (see RYA Boat Safety Handbook C8) ·    ·  Fire precautions and fire fighting ·    ·  Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and lifejackets ·    ·  Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radiotelephone ·    ·  Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue ·	3	B B B B B
5.  International regulations for preventing collisions at sea ·  Steering and sailing rules (5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12-19) ·    ·  General rules (all other rules) ·	3	A B
6.  Definition of position, course and speed ·  Latitude and longitude ·    ·  Knowledge of standard navigational terms ·    ·  True bearings and courses ·    ·  The knot ·	1	B B B C
7.  Navigational charts and publications ·  Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance ·    ·  Navigational publications in common use ·    ·  Chart correction ·	2	B C C
8.  Navigational drawing instruments ·  Use of parallel rulers, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments ·	1	B
9.  Compass ·  Application of variation ·    ·  Awareness of deviation and its causes ·    ·  Use of hand-bearing compass ·	2	B C